Title: Would Be Witch
Author: Kimberly Frost
Series: Southern Witch #1
Release Date: February 2009
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Source: Paperback Swap
The family magic seems to have skipped over Tammy Jo Trask. All she gets are a few untimely visits from long-dead, smart-mouthed family ghost Edie. But when her locket-an heirloom that happens to hold Edie's soul-is stolen in the midst of a town-wide crime spree, it's time for Tammy to find her inner witch.
After a few experiences with her dysfunctional magic, Tammy turns to the only person in small-town Duval, Texas, who can help: the very rich and highly magical Bryn Lyons. He might have all the answers-and a 007savoir faire to boot-but the locket isn't the only heirloom passed down in Tammy's family. She also inherited a warning: stay away from Lyons
Would Be Witch is the story of Tammy Jo Trask and her lack of otherworldly powers. Or so she thought. Her mother and aunt have left her to her own devices because they figured she did not inherit the family's magical powers, but they were wrong. Now, when the town, and Edie, the smart assed family ghost, need her to use her powers to help the town, she has to turn to Bryn Lyons, a warlock from the family Tammy was told to stay away from.
WORLD BUILDING: 4
The world Frost has thought up is typical to these types of books; small town, lots of intolerance, not many opportunities. However, I enjoyed reading about sleepy Duvall, TX. Unlike other novels, I felt connected to the setting, even though I've never stepped foot in Texas. There are all the typical paranormal creatures: witches, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, zombies, and ghosts. I would have liked to seen a few different creatures.
CHARACTER BUILDING: 3
I really don't like Tammy Jo. It seems like she cannot do anything without someone else telling her what to do. She really needs some confidence. I enjoyed all the other characters, especially her pet ocelot, Mercutio. That is one feisty cat!
ROMANCE: 3
There wasn't a lot of romance in the novel, but its definitely brewing underneath. Tammy Jo is very attracted to Bryn Lyons, and vice versa, even though she was warned to stay away from the Lyons. Her ex husband wants her back, in a sweet but desperate way, but he can be an ass, so I don't see that happening anytime soon.
KICK-ASS: 3
There are some battles and fights, but they're not the focus of the book. This is more about Tammy Jo learning she has powers and how to handle them. She did hold her own though.
OVERALL: 13/20
This was an enjoyable, but infuriating at times, read. There are 2 more books in the series and I have them all lined up and ready to read. Hopefully, Tammy Jo gets a little more bearable.